Farah Palmer first woman appointed to board of New Zealand Rugby

Former Black Ferns captain Farah Palmer has become the first female elected to the board of New Zealand Rugby (NZR).

Palmer, who led New Zealand to three World Cup titles between 1998 and 2006, has replaced recently retired Maori representative Wayne Peters and was a unanimous choice by NZR's voting members.

The 44-year-old's elevation comes after a difficult year off the field for NZR, where a lack of diversity at board level was highlighted several of incidents, including the Chiefs' stripper scandal that involved allegations of sexual assault.

Those claims were ultimately unfounded by a NZR-led investigation and the matter was not pursued by police, but the game's governing body was widely criticised for their handling of the affair.

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Along with her rugby expertise, Palmer is a senior lecturer in Massey University's School of Management and director in the university's Maori business and leadership centre.

She is relishing the opportunity to offer an alternative view to the male-dominated board. 

"While it's not without its challenges, rugby is in good heart in New Zealand with our national teams excelling on the world stage, record numbers of women playing and increased pathways for Maori to play at the highest level," Palmer said in a statement.

"I'm looking forward to offering a different perspective on the NZR Board and contributing to robust discussion and effective decision-making; ensuring NZR continues to meet the high expectations of not just Maori, but all New Zealanders."

Dr Palmer has an impressive CV having been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007 for services to women's rugby and sport.

In 2014 she was inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame, while earlier this year the women's provincial championship was renamed the Farah Palmer Cup in recognition of the former Black Fern's contribution to women's rugby.

NZR chairman Brent Impey welcomed Dr Palmer's appointment as the Maori Representative on the board, saying her experience on and off the field would be an asset to the sport.

"I am confident that Farah's understanding of the issues facing rugby gained through roles with the Maori Rugby Board, NZR's Rugby Committee and work for World Rugby, as well as from an exceptional playing career, will be invaluable to the game's future and particularly that of Maori rugby," Impey said.

"As well as congratulating Farah on her election, I also want to acknowledge the Provincial Unions for nominating and ultimately electing Farah as their Maori Representative to the Board. While Dr Palmer becomes the first woman elected to NZR's Board in its almost 125 history, she clearly represented the best person for the role and the interests of Maori rugby."

As the Maori Representative, Dr Palmer assumes the chair of the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board.

She has vowed to build on the work of Peters, saying: "It's a great honour and privilege to be elected to an organisation that means so much to so many and plays such a fundamental role in New Zealand society. 

"There are more Maori playing rugby than ever before and an unprecedented number pulling on a black jersey, whether that's with the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Sevens teams or Maori All Blacks.

"I am grateful to the Provincial Unions for electing me to the position and look forward to building on Wayne's enormous contribution to the game."